Downtown Depot - KWBU/NPR

This week on Downtown Depot, guest host Rachel E.Pate sits down with Waco Farmers Market director Bethel Erickson. Bethel is passionate about building community food security through local food production. She helped to launch the Waco Downtown farmers market in 2011. Recently, the Saturday Market moved to its new permanent home at Bridge Street Plaza. We'll hear some of the reasons for the move a...

Host Rachel E. Pate sits down with Joy Summers Smith and Anthony Betters to discuss the reimagined Wilton’s Landing exhibit at the  Dr Pepper Museum , its connection to Waco’s history, and the importance of safe havens like those listed in the Green Book. They also explore the museum’s Mapping History Program, its commitment to equitable storytelling, and what’s next for 2025. This is a great conv...

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Downtown Depot host Austin Meek speaks with Dillon Meek who will be stepping down from the position as Waco Mayor this spring. Also stepping down is Austin Meek. Austin began the Downtown Depot collaboration with KWBU in 2016 and has hosted 165 episodes. Downtown Depot is a partnership with  Waco Business News and KWBU. Featuring host Austin Meek, the 30-minute show looks at the ins and outs of de...

In this weeks episode of Downtown Depot, Austin Meek is in conversation with COO of Neighborly, Mary Kennedy Thompson. They discuss early influences, how Mary spends her days leading the execution of strategies for brands like Mr. Rooter and Molly Maid, and how her time in the Marine Corps prepared her for a life of leadership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Pri...

This week Austin Meek is in conversation with Andreas Zaloumis, owner of Third Space Theory Coffee, better known as THRST. They discuss entering entrepreneurship through a creative lens and how Andreas has created an inclusive setting that draws diverse clientele. Austin also speaks to Megan Davis of Waco's Parks and Recreation department about this years Waco Wonderland event. Learn more about yo...

On this week's episode of Downtown Depot, Austin Meek leads a conversation with Kathy Wise of 'Mission Waco'. They discuss the current housing crisis in the United States, the work that Mission Waco is undertaking, and treating the homeless community with dignity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy N...

This week Austin Meek is in conversation with Bradley Ford, city manager for the City of Waco. They discuss the water crisis that was and now isn't, along with his vision for the future of Waco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

This week Austin Meek is in conversation with Eric Terrezas, Director of Economic Development for the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. They'll be discussing the emergence of the Latino business community and how Spanish speakers in the area will mold future development in Waco. In this episode Austin also chats to Kasia Krecicka, the new artist in residence at the Art Center of Waco. Learn mo...

Kate talks about her turn toward sustainable fashion and how her block on Washington Avenue has evolved. Before that conversation, Austin reviews the latest in local restaurant news, including a recap of Waco Restaurant Weekend and the uncertain state of Texas barbecue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Pri...

Host Austin Meek has a conversation with investment coach and founder of Balcomie Capital, Travis Baucom. They discuss the self-storage industry, Travis' favorite developments coming to Waco, and his experience with a franchise that got him on the path to small business ownership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Cal...

Thanh Le and Angel Manciallas of Waco's 'Clay Pot' Restaurant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Host Austin Meek has a conversation with Artist and Art Consultant, Andrea La-Valleur-Purvis. They discuss projects Andrea’s been working on, how creatives can turn their hobby into a business, and the future impact of artificial intelligence on the art world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notic...

Host Austin Meek has a conversation with Registered Professional Archaeologist, Katherine Turner-Pearson. They discuss Katherine's familial route into History and Archaeology, dig sites and projects she has worked on, and the rich history embedded in Waco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at...

Host Austin Meek has a conversation with District Four Councilman Darius Ewing. They discuss Darius' recent trip to DC to petition Texas legislators, his pet projects such as affordable housing and public transport, and his vision for what Waco could be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at h...

Host Austin Meek has a conversation with Ross Harris, owner of The Bear Mountain and Waco Paddle Company. They discuss the childhood affinity Ross had for outdoor life and how he's transferred that into not one, but two businesses that are helping Wacoans make the most of the natural landscape around them. KWBU Waco's NPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy P...

Host Austin Meek has a conversation with David Taylor and Mike Schwaab, owners of Waco Surf. They discuss the international reputation of their water park, cultivating eco-friendly business practices, and integrating with the Waco community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19....

Host Austin Meek has a conversation with television host and 'that Englishman in Texas', Ollie Pettigrew. They discuss his history in the entertainment industry, his observations on life in Texas, and his impressions of Waco's creative community. Know Waco's Debbie Wright also joins Austin to discuss the night markets in East Waco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See...

Host Austin Meek has a conversation with Cory Duncan, a local real estate agent and broker. They discuss mentors, the market, and lessons Duncan learned whilst developing a commercial building on Washington Avenue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-...

Host Austin Meek has a conversation with Susan Sistrunk, artist and owner of Susan L Sistrunk, Fine Art Gallery. They discuss the business of local art, the creative process, and collecting art. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Host Austin Meek has a conversation with David Mayfield, owner of David Mayfield Selections and the Waco Wine Shop. They discuss studying at the culinary institute of America, importing South American wines, and setting up shop in Waco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/p...

Host Austin Meek has a conversation with Vivia and Aniceto Charles, owners of Tru Jamaica. They discuss the motivations behind bringing authentic Jamaican cuisine to Waco and how in the face of disaster, the local community has been a bedrock of support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at h...

Host Austin Meek has a conversation with Dr. Beth Allison Barr, Professor of Medieval history at Baylor and U.S.A. Today’s bestselling author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood. They talk about how Waco has changed since she grew up in Mexia visiting the big city, how the definition of “biblical womanhood” has evolved, and her thoughts on the Lenten and Easter seasons. Learn more about your ad ch...

Host Austin Meek has a conversation with Waco business owner Rocco Bolts, who discusses the importance of relationships when it comes to running a business - and how he's using those skills to make a difference in his city. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not...

Due to weather conditions, we had to pull from the Downtown Depot archive for the February 3 broadcast. This episode of Downtown Depot with Waco Mayor Dillon Meek originally aired January 6, 2026.Host Austin Meek welcomes Waco Mayor Dillon Meek (no relation) to talk about the strides the city has made in the past year, and discuss the exciting challenges and opportunities facing Waco in 2023. Lear...